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Stewie The World's Longest Cat Dies Of Cancer

Stewie measured 48.5in (1.23m) from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail, and was declared the record holder by Guinness World Records in 2010.

The elongated moggy was surrounded by owner Robin Hendrickson and her family at home in Nevada when he succumbed to a year-long battle with a type of cancer called lymphosarcoma. He was eight years old.

"Stewie was always very social and loved meeting new people," Ms Hendrickson said. "He has touched many lives and for that I am grateful."

Ms Hendrickson bought Stewie, a Maine coon breed, in 2005. He recently attended the International Cat Show in Portland, Oregon.

"He did really well at the show, even though he wasn't feeling totally perfect," said Valerie Horton, the show's entry clerk. "He loved being there because he loved the public. He always did."

Stewie was a certified therapy animal that often visited retirement homes. After hearing the news, hundreds of fans posted condolences on his Facebook page.

He also helped promote animal welfare awareness with the Nevada Humane Society.

After being diagnosed with cancer, Stewie initially responded to chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free. But another, more aggressive tumour was found on his kidneys and he could not be saved.

"I knew that although we could fight it, the end was near," said Ms Hendrickson. "I wanted to simply make him comfortable and let him enjoy the time he did have."